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Mark Templeton finished his career as the NCAA leader in career receptions.

Oct. 26, 2011

Long Beach, Calif. -
In the seventh of an ongoing series honoring the 2011 Long Beach State Hall of Fame nominees, we take a look at one of the best to put on the pads for the 49ers, Mark Templeton.

Templeton was a four-year letter winner in football at Long Beach State from 1983-86, earning Honorable Mention All-America honors as a senior in 1986 while leading the nation in receptions, averaging nine catches per game.

His 96 receptions in 1986 is the Long Beach State single-season record, but Templeton was a very prolific fullback for four years. With 262 receptions in four seasons, that mark stands as the career record for receptions at Long Beach State, and when he graduated, it was the NCAA Division I record.

Templeton was a well-rounded player, however, and was a solid rusher as well as a pass-catcher from the backfield. His 1,495 rushing yards ranks sixth in school history, while his 1,966 receiving yards rank fourth all-time in the 49er record books.

His 3,461 career all-purpose yards are the most in Long Beach State history.

The 2011 Long Beach State Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 6 p.m. at the Hilton Long Beach Hotel & Executive Meeting Center. Tickets are available online here.